PN says ‘political amphibian’ SAPP must clarify its position

 

Ronald Kiandee, chairman of PN Sabah, said SAPP frequently made statements that contradict PN’s stance.

PETALING JAYA: 

The opposition Perikatan Nasional has urged the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) to stop being a “political amphibian” after it refused to choose between PN or Gabungan Rakyat Sabah, a partner in the federal government coalition.

SAPP is a member of the PN coalition while also a member of GRS, Sabah’s ruling coalition.

PN Sabah chairman Ronald Kiandee said that the party should make its position clear ahead of the Sabah state election expected next year.

Kiandee, who is also the Beluran MP, criticised SAPP for frequently making statements that contradict PN’s stance, including calls for the coalition not to contest the next state elections.

“It is time for SAPP to stop being a political amphibian (living in two worlds). They need to decide on their true position,” the Bersatu vice-president told FMT.

He said PN partner Bersatu, “even though it is not a local party, has more dignity than political amphibians living in two worlds”.

Kiandee said PN would contest the Sabah elections using the PN logo, “and SAPP cannot stop us”. He said he was confident that Sabahans are mature enough to evaluate the capabilities of the parties.

SAPP joined PN in August 2020, a few months after the coalition was formally established by PAS and Bersatu.

Fellow GRS component Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) was also a PN component but left the Muhyiddin Yassin-led coalition in December 2022, after the unity government’s formation.

Last Saturday, GRS secretary-general Masidi Manjun urged SAPP to decide between the two coalitions, saying the party cannot be in both at the same time.

SAPP president Yong Teck Lee brushed off such calls yesterday, stating that no external party should pressure SAPP, a founding member of GRS, to choose its political alliances. - FMT